Session 7 Applying Foundations to Children 6-12 Years, Part I
FOR GROUP PARTICIPATION These elements of the study are best used with others in a group setting.
And God Said… Read aloud 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 . What is the Point?
Read these statements aloud and keep them in mind during the video (5 minutes) • The central focus during the middle years is the development of character. • The essential character issue is “God-awareness.” • Human beings chafe at God-awareness because we are, in our sinful nature, selfish idolators. Petition Pray this together aloud. H eavenly Father, who have rightful claim to the thrones of every human heart, grant us the humility to relinquish rule over our lives and to live joyfully at the foot of your throne, and to train our children, by our words and conduct, to live likewise, by the grace of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. Hear the Word 1. “Not every wrong is a direct rebellion to authority—some wrongs are the fruit of a lack of character.” Identify some such actions common among six- to twelve-year-olds, specifically in social situations interacting with siblings or other children. Also describe misbehaviors common in their interaction with adults. Have you as a parent “grown comfortable with the fundamental lack of character in our kids” in these situations? How will ignoring these “character opportunities” reinforce children’s behavior? 2. As we learned previously, trying to correct children quickly in such situations yields only superficial results. Why is there no character development in the apple-nailing solutions of making the child apologize, share the toys and shake the adult’s hand? Do you have a tendency to employ apple-nailing correction? What are some specific reasons why you take this ineffective approach? Watch the video. (25 minutes) Let's Talk About That Discuss these questions. (30 minutes)
3. Recalling that the family is God’s learning community, parents must cultivate good character in
Session 7
GETTING TO THE HEART OF PARENTING
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